The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, visited Wren Academy in Hilton Avenue, North Finchley on 3rd February to perform the school's official opening ceremony.

During his visit, as well as unveiling a commemorative plaque, Dr Williams toured the Academy, conducted a special opening service and took part in a question and answer session with students.

Academy Principal, Michael Whitworth, said: "I am delighted that the Archbishop was able to find the time to visit us. Our students have been absolutely thrilled to see him here. Dr William's visit is a huge endorsement of the Academy's progress."

Yr 9 student, Amanda Shodeko said: "We were very privileged to have the Archbishop at the school. When the Archbishop went into the classrooms it was a moment that the students will never forget."

Although the Academy opened to its first cohort of Year 7 students in September 2008, the official opening event was arranged to take place once all the school's new buildings were complete and in use. Wren Academy now has 3 yr groups, with over 500 young people attending the school.

Wren Academy is sponsored by the London Diocesan Board for School (LDBS) and Berkhamsted School (a leading independent school). The Academy's new build project was completed in the summer of 2010 at a cost of £23.4 million.

The innovative and environmentally sustainable building design has been nominated for a number of architectural prizes including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards.

Wren Academy admits 180 students annually and is heavily oversubscribed, receiving over 800 applications in each of the last two years.